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LECV launches London’s new electric ‘black cab’

Ahead of Transport for London’s (TfL) January 2018 deadline, when all newly licensed taxis need to be zero-emission capable, the LEVC’s (London EV Company) all-new electric TX taxi is now fully certified to carry fare-paying passengers.

The TX has been designed to replace the city’s iconic diesel-powered black cabs, while helping to improve urban air quality for all Londoners. The TX is also ready to revolutionize the passenger experience with more space, six passenger seats, forward-facing wheelchair access, power sockets for laptops, USB ports, onboard wi-fi, an expansive panoramic roof, and active and passive safety systems, making it the world’s most advanced taxi. To meet the strict air quality standards of the city’s Low Emission Zone, and the new Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) that comes into force in April 2019, all LEVC products use its eCity technology, comprising of an advanced battery electric powertrain, with a small back-up petrol generator. Applied to the electric TX, the technology offers a range of up to 400 miles (644km), including 80 miles (129km) pure electric range.

Unlike the previous taxi, the vehicle’s multi-filter system works to remove gases and particles from the incoming air. In addition, an in-built air quality sensor also automatically closes the external air intake if it detects increased levels of pollution in the outside air, protecting the occupants from the capital’s often poor-quality air. World-class safety systems are fitted, including forward collision warnings, autonomous emergency breaking, and emergency brake assistance, with crash protection to the highest international standards. LEVC has worked with drivers and other organizations to ensure that TX drivers will be the world’s most ‘connected’ cabbies. The new vehicle includes an onboard satellite navigation system to help drivers identify traffic congestion and plan alternative routes, and future software updates will allow access to online charge-point maps and hailing apps for taking bookings.

“After extensive testing, our new taxi is ready to do the job it was made for: transport people around London safely, cleanly and stylishly,” said Chris Gubbey, LEVC’s CEO. “Better for passengers, more cost effective for drivers, it will play a major role in helping to improve air quality benefiting all Londoners.”

Shirley Rodrigues, deputy mayor for environment and energy, said, “These new electric taxis will play a transformational role in the mayor’s plan to phase out diesel and clean up the transport network. This will help to accelerate improvements to London’s toxic air.”